In no particular order, here’s what I like: walks in nature, sunsets, Japanese food and sushi, dogs, Bunwich the pet pig at Juniper Farm, vibrant colours and interesting designs, writing, connection with friends and eating out, again! Hearts of all kinds. Having fun and laughing! Photos courtesy: Caroline Ishii.
More than seven years ago, I wrote a letter to my friend’s son who was leaving home for university on the other side of the country. I found the letter recently. I found the things I wrote to him are things that I need to remember, so perhaps this letter was more for me than for him. I heard one author say that we write what we most need to learn, which is true for me. I write this as we close this year full of ups and downs, which is life if we haven’t figured that out yet.
“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” Anais Nin
It’s been a joy sharing my journey and connecting with you through my monthly columns. I wish you a new year full of savouring each day and creating delicious taste memories!
With love and gratitude,
Caroline
June 22, 2014
Dear Liam,
How wonderful to see you grow, learn, and flourish over the years. I am thrilled for you on the next step of your journey. Enjoy every moment of it, even the hard ones, because you will look back one day and realize how quickly it all goes; it really does.
Here are my words of wisdom for you, which I gained throughout the years. May it help guide and support you.
Love always,
Caroline
1. Whenever someone gives you words of wisdom, advice, or direction, have doubt. Check in with yourself first to see if it feels right. So even with these words, see what applies to you, and toss what doesn’t, or perhaps save it for another day.
2. Always trust your instincts. You can never go wrong. And even when you go ahead and do something against your instincts—and you will, because that’s what we do—check back to see if your instincts were right. It will help you over time.
3. Always be true to who you are. This is important because everyone else is taken, so you need to step into who you are. If you don’t let your true self shine, you will invite people and situations into your life attracted to the person you are pretending to be. Then you’ll wonder why you are attracting what you don’t want. It’s simple, but it’s taken me a long time to realize this one.
4. Be kind and compassionate. First, say kind words and positive things to yourself. Be your own best friend and cheering team. Never be afraid to show kindness and compassion to others. From my experience, this comes back to us many times in many ways. Call it karma or good intention, but the world really needs more of it, and it starts with us, here and now.
5. Laugh often. They say we laugh less frequently as we get older. Don’t let this happen!
6. What I’ve worried about has often been wasted energy and time. The past is exactly that, and the future is what we are creating today. Live in the present, enjoy every moment, even the tough ones. Despite what we think, our lives are not endless, and we don’t know when our best before date is. Have gratitude for the life you are given and live each day to the fullest—not wasting it and having no regrets.
7. When times are difficult, don’t be afraid to share your feelings with people you trust and love you because they will help you. Make an SOS emergency kit. When you feel happy, make a list of the small things that bring you joy every day and what you like about yourself. Post this on your fridge. Go to that list when you are not feeling well and use it as your priority to-do list. Add some photos!
8. Always dream big, follow your passions, and go for what you want in life. Believe in yourself, even when you don’t, or when you are afraid, which is natural when stretching and growing.
9. Don’t make assumptions about people or situations. Ask questions, obtain knowledge, and see things from their shoes and perspective. The world is filled with misunderstandings, confrontations, and wars based on believing assumptions that are not true or digging our shoes into the ground with our views that we think are right. Let’s not add to this!
10. Savour each delicious moment of life and eat more cake!
11. Create your own words of wisdom.
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